Australian Opposition Deems ICC Arrest Warrants as ‘Anti-Semitic’
US Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson is considering implementing sanctions on ICC officials.
Australian Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reverse its attempt to obtain arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.
Dutton criticized the ICC’s actions as “anti-semitic” and criticized Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for not supporting Australia’s allies.
The ICC’s chief prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged “war crimes against humanity” in Gaza.
Prosecutor Karim Khan has also filed arrest warrant applications against Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, and Ismail Haniyeh.
Opposition Leader Dutton accused Mr. Albanese of avoiding the issue.
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“He should stand up with our allies, like the United States, to denounce the anti-semitic actions of the ICC. The ICC should reverse its decision, and the prime minister needs to speak out instead of hiding or worsening the situation,” Dutton stated.
In a previous statement, Dutton suggested that the Coalition might consider withdrawing from the ICC if it comes into power.
Prime Minister Avoids Speculative Questions
Later in the day, the prime minister stated that he would not speculate about events that have not yet occurred.
“There has been a request, but no decision has been made by the ICC regarding any individuals at this time,” he informed the media.
The prime minister refused to respond to every comment made by the opposition leader.
Earlier, Prime Minister Albanese refrained from commenting on U.S. President Joe Biden’s criticism of the ICC’s actions as “outrageous.”
“I just answered the same question. Look, I don’t comment on court proceedings. What we need to concentrate on, when it comes to the Middle East, is what we have been saying from the time that on October 7, the terrorist atrocity committed by Hamas, we oppose that,” Mr. Albanese said.
Mr. Albanese defended the government’s stance on advocating for hostage release, supporting a humanitarian ceasefire, and providing more humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Labor Minister Ed Husic, representing the western Sydney seat of Chifley, criticized Dutton’s comments on the ICC during a radio interview on ABC.
Husic raised concerns about the civilian casualties in Gaza and highlighted the actions of Hamas, while stressing the moral distinction between Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La) is preparing to introduce legislation to Congress to impose sanctions on ICC officials.
What Are the ICC’s Claims?
The ICC’s chief prosecutor asserts that Hamas leaders have committed various crimes against humanity, including murder, hostage-taking, rape, torture, and other inhumane acts.
Regarding Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant, they are accused of actions such as starving civilians, causing suffering deliberately, targeting civilians, and other war crimes.
‘Grotesque’: Liberal Senator
Liberal Senator Dave Sharma, visiting Israel and meeting hostages and victims’ families, criticized the ICC’s actions.
He highlighted the atrocities committed by Hamas and defended Israel’s right to self-defense, emphasizing the distinction between the aggressor and the victim.
Sharma described the comparison of the two as “grotesque” and argued that equating Israel and Hamas erases the moral boundary between self-defense and aggression.
